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Dental Anxiety & Fear
With our help, a trip to the dentist doesn’t have to be scary
Dental work is a common cause of anxiety in many patients. Dr. Smith understands that not everyone in Vero Beach is enthusiastic about their dental checkups and procedures, which is why we prioritize your comfort and peace of mind at every visit. We do everything we can to deliver quick, painless treatments in a relaxed environment.
If you live in fear of visiting the dentist, you should know that this is perfectly natural — and you are not alone. In fact, as many as 35 million people do not regularly see a dentist due to fear. There are many common reasons why people are uncomfortable with dental work, and our office is built around alleviating these fears, including:
- Fear of pain
- Fear of gagging
- Fear of injections
- Fear of loss of control
- Fear of ineffective anesthesia
- Fear of dental tools
- Fear of embarrassment about condition of the teeth
Helping you overcome your dental anxiety
While it’s completely normal to be frightened by the thought of seeing a dentist, it’s far more dangerous to your health and the aesthetics of your smile to not see a dentist at least twice a year; regular dental checkups are designed to prevent the need for more serious dental procedures.
We can work with you to help reduce your dental anxiety
- Tell us about your anxiety: We’re at the ready to alleviate your fears, but the first step is for you to tell us what they are. We know it can sometimes be hard to talk about things like this, but remember that we work with people who share your concerns every day, and we will never judge you for them.
- Throat spray: Did you know there is medication that can help control your gag reflex? Two or three sprays can usually prevent gagging for about an hour.
- Agree on a signal: One common dental fear is that the patient’s pain will go unnoticed during the procedure. One way to prevent this unlikely situation is to discuss a gesture ahead of time with Dr. Smith that communicates your desire to stop. Knowing that all you have to do is make a simple motion like raising your hand or tapping on the chair can be all you need to maintain peace of mind throughout your visit.
- Listen to music: Sometimes the sound of the dentist’s office can be scary. Listening to your music on your portable device can drown out those noises and relieve your anxiety.
- Bring a mirror: Sometimes your imagination can get the best of you during dental work. Using a handheld mirror to see what’s going on during your procedure can help keep your mind from playing tricks on you.
- Sedation: This is an effective way to quell dental anxiety that isn’t relieved by any of the above methods. There are several sedation options, but the result is the same: You’ll sleep through your procedure without feeling a thing, and when you wake up it’ll all be over.
- Ask us about alternative treatments: Modern dental technology has removed the necessity of many invasive procedures. Talk to Dr. Smith about your options before your procedure.